FDA Limits Interest in Clinical Trials

According to an editorial in yesterday's New York Times, the F.D.A has a seemingly limited interest in clinical trials--and this may be to the detriment of quality food and drugs that are created through these trials. For instance, its a federal requirement that the makers of drugs or medical devices receive financial information from the scientists conducting clinical trials before the trials start and to inform the F.D.A of any conflicts, yet fewer than 1% of of makers report any discrepancies. Someone is lining their pockets and the F.D.A is turning their heads.

From The New York Times:
The agency’s lax performance underscores the need for Congress to pass legislation requiring all drug and device makers to report their financial arrangements with doctors in a public databank. That would make it harder for clinical investigators or sponsoring companies to hide potential conflicts, including those that might bias clinical trials for the F.D.A. Do you agree with this editorial? What legislation should occur?